Putting this approach into practice, the UGM Faculty of Dentistry (FKG UGM) organized a community outreach program as part of the International Dental Summer Course (IDSC) 2026. The program brought together dozens of participants from universities in Indonesia and abroad to provide oral health education and free dental examinations for elementary school students.

On Wednesday (Jul. 15), the participants visited Baturan 1 State Elementary School in Gamping, Sleman, Yogyakarta, where they conducted dental and oral examinations and provided preventive oral health services for the students.

Dr. Fania Chairunisa, the program coordinator, explained that prevention is a key principle of sustainability and green dentistry. By preventing dental disease before it requires more extensive treatment, preventive care can reduce the need for medical materials and procedures that generate waste.

“Another preventive measure is teledentistry, which allows patients to receive dental consultations remotely through telecommunications technologies such as video calls or dedicated applications. This can also help reduce carbon emissions associated with travel to dental clinics,” Dr. Fania said in a statement released on Tuesday (Jul. 28).

In addition to dental examinations, the students provided Topical Application of Fluoride (TAF), a preventive treatment in which fluoride is applied to children’s teeth to help prevent dental caries.

The treatment is intended to strengthen tooth enamel and inhibit bacteria associated with tooth decay. Early preventive measures such as fluoride application can help reduce the risk of cavities and prevent the progression of early-stage tooth decay.

The activity also gave summer course participants hands-on experience delivering dental care to children.

Gina, a second-semester student at the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Muhammadiyah Palangkaraya (UMPR), said working with children requires more than technical dental skills. Effective communication and an appropriate approach are essential to making young patients feel safe and comfortable.

“We need to adapt and build rapport with the children, so they feel comfortable and are not afraid. We develop practical communication skills like these through regular field experience,” she said.

For Gina and other participants, the community program therefore served a dual purpose: providing preventive oral healthcare to children while allowing dental students to develop the interpersonal skills needed in pediatric dental care.

Asri Ningtyas, a teacher at Baturan 1 State Elementary School, welcomed FKG UGM’s involvement and the IDSC participants. She said the program complemented the school’s existing efforts to promote healthy habits among students.

She also hoped similar collaborations with universities could be held regularly, allowing children’s oral health to be monitored continuously from an early age.

“This toothbrushing education is highly beneficial in complementing our school’s programs. It reminds students that, in addition to eating nutritious food, maintaining good dental and oral health is equally important,” she said.

For FKG UGM, the program reflects the broader role of dental education in promoting prevention and sustainability. Rather than waiting for dental problems to develop and require treatment, green dentistry encourages healthcare providers and communities to emphasize prevention, early intervention, and more environmentally responsible practices.

Through the International Dental Summer Course, students from different countries and academic backgrounds experienced how oral healthcare, education, community engagement, and environmental sustainability connect in practice.

The initiative also demonstrates how preventive dental care can benefit both individual health and the environment. By strengthening oral health awareness and preventing disease from an early age, communities can reduce the need for more extensive dental treatment while supporting greener, more sustainable healthcare.

Reporter: Fajar Budi Harsakti/FKG Public Relations

Author: Jesi

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Post-Editor: Priyanandaningrat

Photo: FKG UGM Documentation

Artikel UGM Promotes Green Dentistry Through Free Dental Checkups and Oral Health Education pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Dr. Mardhani Riasetiawan, Head of the UGM Digital Transformation Bureau, said developing an AI ecosystem is one of the university’s strategic priorities to foster innovation, strengthen research capacity, and respond to the growing demands of digital transformation in higher education.

“Last year, we reached one of our major milestones with the launch of the UGM AI Center of Excellence. We also had the valuable opportunity to establish a collaboration with Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison,” Dr. Riasetiawan said during the UGM AI Seminar, “Riset dengan Artificial Intelligence (AI)” (Research with Artificial Intelligence), held at the UGM Central Building on Monday (Jul. 27).

Dr. Mardhani explained that teams from Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison and NVIDIA had conducted several site visits and on-site assessments before determining that UGM met the requirements to join the NVIDIA AI Technology Center (NVAITC) network.

The partnership is expected to strengthen UGM’s AI research capabilities by providing researchers with access to NVIDIA technologies and greater computing capacity.

“Limited computing resources have always been one of the major challenges in AI development. Through this collaboration, we hope UGM researchers will be able to utilize computing capacity on a much larger scale than before,” he said.

Beyond its industry partnerships, UGM is also developing initiatives to expand AI expertise across the university. These include the Artificial Intelligence Talent Factory (AITF), a three-year talent development program, and the UGM AI Faculty Member network, an interdisciplinary platform connecting researchers and faculty members across schools and faculties.

Dr. Mardhani emphasized that UGM’s multidisciplinary character is one of its greatest strengths in developing AI research.

“What we emphasize most in our collaboration with NVIDIA is UGM’s strength as a multidisciplinary university. The approach we are building focuses not only on technical aspects but also involves other disciplines, including the social sciences and humanities,” he said.

The UGM AI Faculty Member network is expected to provide a platform for researchers from different disciplines to collaborate on AI-related research. In the longer term, UGM AI is envisioned as a research center that can manage research funding, support scholarship programs, recruit master’s and doctoral students, and expand international partnerships.

“We want to build this ecosystem together because, ultimately, no one can accomplish a major achievement alone,” Dr. Mardhani said.

The seminar also showcased how AI is already being applied across different fields at UGM, demonstrating the university’s multidisciplinary approach to AI research.

Dr. Rimawati, a lecturer at the UGM Faculty of Law, explained that AI has created new opportunities for legal research, particularly in regulatory searches, court-decision analysis, and preparing analytical matrices. Tasks that previously required days or even weeks of manual work can now be completed much more efficiently.

“With AI, these research processes have become far more efficient. What used to take up to a month can now be completed in just a few hours,” Dr. Rimawati said.

She nevertheless stressed that AI remains a tool rather than a substitute for researchers. Legal analysis, interpretation of legal norms, and legal reasoning must remain the responsibility of researchers. Researchers must also check any AI-generated information against original legislation and court decisions to ensure accuracy and uphold academic integrity.

Professor Ferian Anggara of the UGM Faculty of Engineering presented a similar application. He explained that AI and machine learning have significantly improved the efficiency of research into mineral and energy resources by enabling researchers to process large volumes of data and identify resource potential more quickly and accurately.

“Our use of artificial intelligence and machine learning aims to improve the efficiency of research processes. When our work becomes more efficient, we gain at least two major benefits: saving time and reducing costs,” said Professor Ferian, a lecturer in the UGM Department of Geological Engineering.

Meanwhile, Dr. Nur Mohammad Farda of the UGM Faculty of Geography presented Tech4Disaster. This GeoAI platform integrates geospatial technology, the Internet of Things (IoT), big data, satellite imagery, drones, and AI to support the full disaster management cycle—from mitigation and preparedness to emergency response and post-disaster recovery.

The platform combines multiple spatial data sources with AI models to generate timely information for disaster management. Its applications include rapid mapping, deep-learning-based identification of damaged buildings, mapping the needs of affected communities, and a disaster information geoportal to support faster and more informed decision-making.

Tech4Disaster illustrates how AI can contribute directly to community resilience by bringing together technology, data, and expertise from multiple disciplines.

The projects presented at the UGM AI Seminar demonstrate that AI research at UGM extends well beyond its use as a tool for academic work. Researchers are applying AI to a broad range of fields, including law, energy, agriculture, health, and disaster management.

These initiatives also reflect UGM’s multidisciplinary academic environment and its potential to connect technological innovation with expertise across fields and real-world societal needs.

Through its partnerships with Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison and NVIDIA, UGM is strengthening not only its computational infrastructure but also its capacity to develop AI-based research and innovation. The university’s AI Infrastructure as a Service initiative is expected to provide a strong foundation for researchers who need greater computing capacity.

At the same time, initiatives such as the AI Center of Excellence, Artificial Intelligence Talent Factory, and UGM AI Faculty Member network are intended to strengthen the human and institutional capacity needed to sustain AI research and innovation.

Together, these efforts form part of UGM’s broader commitment to developing an AI ecosystem that is collaborative, multidisciplinary, and capable of generating meaningful benefits for society.

Author: Agito Sitepu

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Post-Editor: Priyanandaningrat

Photo: Donnie

Artikel UGM Strengthens Its AI Ecosystem Through Multidisciplinary Research and Industry Collaboration pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Following an intensive investigation, law enforcement officials identified several factors that may have contributed to the incident. One was prolonged and severe bullying. Police also said the suspect had been inspired by the SMAN 72 Jakarta case, viewing explosives as a way to respond to bullying and gain a sense of control through others’ fear. The suspect also reportedly said he was part of an international online group known as the True Crime Community.

The incident has raised broader concerns about what may be happening beneath the surface of educational institutions and families. Dr. Andreas Budi Widyanta, Chair of the UGM Social Research Center (SOREC) and a sociologist at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), emphasized that children are shaped by the social environments they grow up in. Emotional pain, a lack of affection, and limited attention from those closest to them can leave lasting psychological wounds. When combined with bullying, these experiences can place an even greater burden on a child’s emotional well-being.

“When children are further shaken by bullying, sometimes by their own peers, they often internalize anger that no one else may recognize,” he said on Monday (Jul. 27).

Dr. Widyanta also highlighted another factor that deserves attention: technological development. He said the three pillars of education—family, school, and society—have gradually weakened as technology has become increasingly embedded in everyday life. Easy access to social media can expose children to inappropriate content, including violence and pornography.

“Exposure to unhealthy information during a child’s developmental years turns children into passive absorbers of harmful content and may even inspire them to imitate the violent behavior they encounter on social media,” he said.

According to Dr. Widyanta, children have the capacity for mimesis, or the tendency to imitate what they observe. In this context, this influence can come from social media content that is difficult to regulate effectively, even by government authorities such as the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs. The limited ability to filter harmful online content, he said, can expose children to extreme forms of violence that they may subsequently imitate.

“This misguided form of mimesis reflects the failure of educational development within the family, school, and society,” he said.

Dr. Widyanta described the two school bombing incidents as manifestations of what he sees as failed social construction. One can be understood as an inward expression of psychological distress that may result in self-harm or suicide, while the other represents outwardly directed psychological repression that can lead to violence against others.

For him, the unresolved emotional wounds carried by children should serve as a warning for the education system. Addressing school violence, therefore, requires more than strengthening physical security measures such as bomb detection. It also requires examining the underlying conditions within the education system and developing a stronger culture of dialogue with children.

“We need to examine the root of this iceberg phenomenon involving student behavior by reflecting more deeply on our education system and strengthening a culture of dialogue with our children,” Dr. Widyanta said.

Dr. Widyanta said Indonesia still lacks a strong culture of dialogue with children. Rather than encouraging children to express their emotions and perspectives, education often focuses heavily on fulfilling the state-mandated curriculum.

As a result, children may have limited opportunities to develop communication skills and moral character. While education should ideally integrate knowledge and values, he believes Indonesia’s education system still emphasizes knowledge more than character and values.

He also observed that family and school environments often operate separately rather than complementing one another. When children experience emotional difficulties and need someone to listen, teachers may regard it as a family matter. At home, however, children are not always taught to regulate emotions or encouraged to express what they feel. Instead, parents may focus more heavily on moral instruction and normative expectations.

“Since childhood, we have rarely been taught how to manage our emotions. Many parents focus only on normative values, moral lectures, and even religious arguments,” he said.

Technology, he added, presents another challenge. Some teachers still use technology primarily as a source of ready-made teaching materials, while others may delegate too much of their educational responsibility to technology.

Dr. Widyanta cautioned that when educators place greater emphasis on career advancement, income, or certification than on the broader mission of education, the consequences can extend to future generations. He also noted that some educators may lack a strong sense of vocation and therefore have limited understanding of cura personalis, an educational approach centered on holistic care and individual attention.

Applying such an approach can be particularly challenging in Indonesia, where classrooms may accommodate around 40 students.

Dr. Widyanta argued that bullying is influenced not only by school environments but also by parenting practices and family values. The family is the first social environment in which children learn to understand and respond to differences.

When families fail to foster respect for diversity, discriminatory attitudes can develop early and later manifest themselves in school environments.

He believes Indonesian society still faces challenges in fully embracing diversity, despite the country’s national motto, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity). From this perspective, bullying should not be viewed simply as an individual behavioral problem but also as a reflection of broader social attitudes toward difference.

“I believe many of our families are still unprepared to embrace diversity. Bullying is not a simple issue; it is a reflection of a society that has not fully accepted diversity,” he said.

According to Dr. Widyanta, individuals naturally differ in their backgrounds, personalities, experiences, and perspectives. Yet these differences can become grounds for comparison, judgment, and humiliation. He said the tendency to view oneself as superior to others can reflect attitudes learned within the family.

Parents may also unintentionally pass discriminatory attitudes on to their children through stereotypes, rejection of differences, or labeling people based on their identities. Such attitudes can later become part of the social environment in which bullying occurs.

Dr. Widyanta also criticized using religious identity as a basis for judging or discriminating against others. He emphasized that religion is a personal relationship between individuals and God and should not be used to justify discrimination.

“Religion is a private matter between human beings and God. It should never be used as a tool to interfere with or discriminate against those who are different,” he said.

For this reason, he stressed that families and schools should cultivate respect for diversity from an early age and help children understand that differences are not threats but a natural part of social life.

The Cura Personalis Approach

In closing, Dr. Widyanta emphasized that education reform cannot be left to schools alone. It requires the involvement of the three pillars of education—families, schools, and communities—supported by government policies that enable a more personalized approach.

Every child has different characteristics, experiences, and needs. A standardized approach that treats every child in the same way, he argued, risks overlooking those differences.

“Restoring our education system will be extremely difficult without comprehensive solutions from all directions. The challenge is how the three pillars of education and the government can build a more cura personalis system. Education is not one-size-fits-all. Standardizing every child is a form of violence,” Dr. Widyanta concluded.

His perspective points to a broader challenge for Indonesia’s education system: preventing school violence requires not only stronger security measures but also greater attention to children’s emotional well-being, family relationships, social environments, diversity, and opportunities for meaningful dialogue.

Author: Zabrina Kumara

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Post-Editor: Jasmine Ferdian

Photo: Magnific and Kompas.com

Artikel UGM Sociologist Calls for Education Reform After School Bombing pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Representing the UGM Taekwondo Student Activity Unit, Maheswari competed in the Senior Women’s Individual Recognized Poomsae and Senior Women’s Team Recognized Poomsae events. The national championship brought together 2,098 athletes from across Indonesia.

Maheswari, a 2024 Information Technology student in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology at the UGM Faculty of Engineering, said she was delighted with the result, particularly as she had only one week to prepare after learning she would compete.

With limited preparation time, she focused on intensive training, repeatedly reviewing her techniques while maintaining her diet and physical condition through strength training at the gym. She also recorded many of her training sessions to evaluate her performance and identify areas for improvement.

“I often asked my mother to record my training sessions and competitions so I could review them afterward. Before the competition, I also practiced positive affirmations to help myself perform the techniques well,” she said on Monday (Jul. 27).

The two silver medals also gave Maheswari greater confidence in her ability to compete at a higher level. She said the experience encouraged her to train more consistently and prepare herself for future competitions.

“I feel much more confident now, and I train more consistently so that I’m ready to compete whenever the opportunity comes,” she said.

The National Police Chief Cup marked Maheswari’s first external competition since joining the UGM Taekwondo Student Activity Unit. She hopes the experience will lead to more opportunities to compete and achieve further success.

“I hope I can participate in more competitions and win many more medals in the future,” she said.

Yaseer Gerard, Chair of the UGM Taekwondo Student Activity Unit, said Maheswari’s achievement reflects the importance of providing students with opportunities to develop their athletic abilities and gain experience in competitive settings.

He emphasized that the student activity unit should serve not merely as a formal extracurricular organization but as a supportive environment where students can develop their skills, confidence, and competitive spirit.

“I hope the student activity unit will continue to consistently serve as a platform that supports athletes who aspire to achieve success at the national level,” he said.

For Maheswari, the two medals represent more than a competition result. Her limited preparation period taught her the importance of discipline, self-evaluation, and mental preparation. The experience has also strengthened her motivation to continue training while pursuing her studies at UGM.

Her achievement shows how student organizations can give students opportunities to develop their talents beyond the classroom while building the confidence and resilience needed to compete at the national level.

Author: Jesi

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Post-Editor: Priyanandaningrat

Photo: Yuki’s Documentation

Artikel UGM Student Shines with Double Silver at 2026 National Police Chief Cup Taekwondo Championship pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Rather than simply responding to today’s educational challenges, national education legislation should provide a long-term policy framework for developing Indonesia’s human capital. It should establish a clear vision for the future while providing a strong foundation for education governance at all levels.

Dr. Subarsono, a lecturer in the Department of Public Policy and Management at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), said the draft bill needs to be significantly strengthened, particularly in defining the future goals of national education.

“The primary issue that needs to be examined in RUU Sisdiknas is how it defines the future goals of national education in the digital and AI era, so that the subsequent articles clearly elaborate on the objectives and methods for achieving those goals,” he said in an interview on Monday (Jul. 27).

According to Dr. Subarsono, the educational objectives outlined in Article 4 still reflect a relatively traditional paradigm, focusing primarily on educating the nation and fostering a religious society. He believes future challenges require a broader vision of the competencies students will need in an increasingly digital and AI-driven world.

The education system, he said, should prepare graduates to adapt to technological advances, develop strong digital literacy, work effectively alongside AI, think across disciplines, and compete and collaborate globally.

“In my opinion, education should produce graduates with digital skills, the ability to collaborate with AI to create innovative work, interdisciplinary competencies, global communication and collaboration skills, and the capacity to build an ethical and responsible digital society,” he said.

For Dr. Subarsono, these competencies should not be treated as supplementary skills but should become part of the fundamental direction of Indonesia’s education system. The national education framework must anticipate how technology will transform learning, work, and society rather than simply responding to changes after they occur.

The proposed bill could also have significant implications for education financing. Dr. Subarsono pointed to provisions requiring the government to guarantee access to, affordability of, and funding for quality education.

Such provisions could potentially expand the scope of free education policies to higher education. However, he stressed that policymakers must consider any such policy alongside Indonesia’s fiscal capacity.

“If DPR RI passes RUU Sisdiknas, it will have broad implications for the education sector. The debate could focus on whether university tuition should be fully waived or only partially subsidized. If tuition is made entirely free, the question is whether the state budget can support such a policy under the current fiscal conditions,” he said.

He emphasized that ensuring equitable access to education is an important policy objective, but a realistic and sustainable financing framework must support its implementation.

Another issue raised by Dr. Subarsono concerns higher education governance, particularly the proposed mechanism for selecting university rectors.

Under the provision discussed in the bill, the minister would have the authority to appoint one of three candidates shortlisted through an internal university selection process. Dr. Subarsono warned that such a mechanism could weaken the role of the academic community and create greater room for government intervention in university governance.

“If the three best candidates selected through the university’s internal election are then subject to the minister’s final decision, it means the academic community’s vote is no longer the decisive factor. Such a mechanism risks weakening the principles of democracy and university autonomy,” he said.

He therefore emphasized the importance of maintaining a bottom-up and participatory approach to leadership selection, with the government playing a regulatory and facilitating role rather than determining the outcome.

Despite his concerns, Dr. Subarsono welcomed one important element of the proposed legislation: the inclusion of a National Education Master Plan.

He described the plan as a significant step forward because it could provide an integrated long-term roadmap connecting primary, secondary, and higher education.

“One of the most important and promising aspects of this bill is the preparation of a National Education Master Plan. It provides an integrated roadmap for Indonesia’s education system, connecting primary, secondary, and higher education,” he said.

In his view, the master plan could help ensure greater continuity and coherence in national education policy, rather than allowing education development to be shaped primarily by short-term priorities.

Dr. Subarsono also believes the deliberation of RUU Sisdiknas should become an opportunity to undertake broader institutional reform in Indonesia’s education sector.

One issue that policymakers should reconsider, he said, is the continued existence of government-affiliated higher education institutions. He questioned whether such institutions remain necessary given the substantial public funding they require each year and the broader development of Indonesia’s higher education system.

“The current discussion on higher education presents the right opportunity for institutional reform. As the Government and DPR RI deliberate RUU Sisdiknas, they should also reform educational institutions. The question is whether government-affiliated higher education institutions, which require hundreds of billions of rupiah in annual funding, are still necessary,” he said.

For him, education reform should therefore extend beyond curriculum and learning outcomes to include the institutional structures and governance mechanisms that underpin the system.

In closing, Dr. Subarsono outlined three priorities that he believes should be addressed as the National Education System Bill is deliberated.

First, the bill should clearly redefine the goals of national education to reflect technological advances, the emergence of AI, and the development of a digital society.

Second, it should support institutional reform across Indonesia’s education sector to ensure that educational institutions remain relevant, effective, and sustainable.

Third, the bill should strengthen democratic governance in higher education, particularly by ensuring that university leadership selection is participatory and bottom-up.

Under this approach, the minister’s role should primarily be that of a regulator, facilitator, and legitimizer of processes taking place within higher education institutions.

“The Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology should serve as a facilitator and legitimizer of the bottom-up process through which university leaders are selected,” Dr. Subarsono concluded.

The proposed RUU Sisdiknas thus presents more than an opportunity to revise existing education regulations. It could become a platform for defining how Indonesia prepares its people for a future shaped by technological change, artificial intelligence, global competition, and evolving demands on higher education.

Author: Cyntia Noviana
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-Editor: Jasmine Ferdian
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Artikel Indonesia’s National Education Bill: A Chance to Redefine Education Vision and Governance pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The innovation combines nano-fluorapatite, a source of calcium, phosphate, and fluoride ions needed for tooth enamel remineralization, with erythritol, a sugar alcohol shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria associated with dental caries.

The team developed ChewMelo as a practical way to incorporate oral health care into everyday routines. The nano-fluorapatite is produced using brown algae as a source of alginate through a green synthesis process, while erythritol is used as a tooth-friendly sweetener.

ChewMelo team leader Achmad Musa Nurhadi said the idea was inspired by the high prevalence of dental caries in Indonesia, particularly among adolescents and young adults. The team chose chewing gum as the delivery medium because it is already part of many people’s daily routines.

“We wanted to create a solution that fits naturally into people’s everyday habits, making it easier to adopt. Chewing gum is a product that many teenagers enjoy and consume regularly, giving it strong potential as a practical delivery system for active ingredients that help maintain oral health,” he said on Monday (July 27).

Unlike conventional chewing gum, ChewMelo combines nano-fluorapatite and erythritol to provide complementary oral health benefits.

Nano-fluorapatite supplies calcium, phosphate, and fluoride ions that are involved in the remineralization of tooth enamel. Erythritol, meanwhile, has been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria associated with dental caries.

The team believes the combination has potential to help maintain tooth enamel and reduce the risk of enamel damage associated with demineralization.

To evaluate the product, the researchers conducted a series of laboratory tests. Antibacterial testing at the Microbiology Laboratory of the UGM Faculty of Pharmacy showed a reduction in the growth of Streptococcus mutans, a major bacterium associated with dental caries.

Meanwhile, remineralization testing at the Materials and Production Laboratory of the UGM Vocational College showed increased tooth enamel hardness after seven days of exposure to the chewing gum eluate. The testing also indicated that the treatment was able to maintain enamel hardness during pH cycling.

“These findings indicate that the chewing gum not only has the potential to inhibit the growth of bacteria associated with dental caries but may also support the tooth remineralization process,” Achmad said.

The research brought together students from several disciplines: Achmad Musa Nurhadi and Tsabita Puan Najla from Dentistry, Dimar Raihan Ganendra Putra from Pharmacy, Fajar Sindu Aji from Medicine, and Najwa Laili Fajri from Chemical Engineering. Dr. Dyah Anindya Widyasrini supervises the team.

The interdisciplinary nature of the team allowed the students to combine perspectives from health sciences, pharmacy, and materials engineering throughout the development process.

The research involved several stages, including the green synthesis of nano-fluorapatite, material characterization, chewing gum formulation, and biological activity testing.

One of the team’s main challenges was developing a chewing gum that remained elastic and comfortable to chew while maintaining the effectiveness of its active ingredients.

For the team, overcoming this challenge was an important part of developing ChewMelo into a practical oral health innovation.

The ChewMelo team is continuing to refine the product through further testing of calcium, phosphate, and fluoride ion release. These tests are intended to provide a more comprehensive assessment of the product’s potential to support tooth remineralization.

The researchers hope their findings can contribute to the development of practical preventive oral health products that make use of locally sourced materials and can eventually be adopted by the wider community.

Beyond the product itself, the project demonstrates how interdisciplinary student research can translate scientific concepts into practical approaches to everyday health challenges.

The ChewMelo team is also preparing its research for presentation at the 2026 National Student Scientific Week (PIMNAS).

Reporter: ChewMelo PKM-RE 2026 Team
Author: Triya Andriyani
Post-Editor: Jasmine Ferdian

Artikel UGM Students Develop ChewMelo Gum to Support Tooth Enamel Health pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Martin admitted that the achievement had never crossed his mind. Throughout his studies, he focused on discipline and consistency. He expressed gratitude for the supportive environment provided by his workplace, family, and academic supervisors.

“In addition, as a civil servant granted a study assignment by the institution where I work, and with the full support of my family, I felt responsible for carrying out this trust to the best of my ability and completing my studies on time,” Martin said on Monday (Jul. 27).

During his studies, Martin encountered several challenges that ultimately became some of his most memorable experiences. The greatest challenge in the Master of Management Program was maintaining consistency while balancing his thesis work with the immersion program, a postgraduate learning method that places students in real-world professional environments. By setting realistic weekly targets and being open to feedback from his supervisors and fellow students, Martin was able to complete his research successfully.

At the same time, those challenges also became the highlight of his academic journey at UGM. He believes UGM’s academic culture encourages students to think critically while remaining humble and committed to learning. Classroom discussions also brought together students from diverse professional and academic backgrounds, broadening Martin’s perspective and helping him view problems from multiple angles.

“Those different perspectives taught me to examine issues more broadly and not just from the standpoint of my own work,” he said.

In addition, Martin benefited from a highly supportive learning community. His classmates at UGM Jakarta Campus regularly held discussions, collaborated on assignments, and encouraged one another throughout their studies, making his academic journey significantly easier.

“The friendships I built with my classmates became one of the most valuable parts of my experience. We supported, discussed, and encouraged one another until we finally completed our studies,” he explained.

Martin further described his master’s thesis, which focused on Human Resources and Organizations (HRO) and was titled “Pengaruh Kepemimpinan Etis terhadap Perilaku Kerja Inovatif dengan Keterikatan Kerja sebagai Pemediasi” (The Influence of Ethical Leadership on Innovative Work Behavior with Work Engagement as a Mediating Variable). His professional background in organizational management was the primary reason for selecting the topic.

According to Martin, organizations can achieve long-term sustainability through the right strategies and strong human resources. Employees must continuously innovate through effective innovative work behavior managed by the organization. Martin explained that such behavior is strongly influenced by the quality of leadership and leaders’ ability to foster an organizational climate that supports innovation.

Through several stages of research, Martin found that ethical leadership significantly enhances employees’ innovative work behavior. Leaders who demonstrate integrity, fairness, and genuine concern for employees encourage greater work engagement and inspire employees to generate innovative ideas.

“In other words, when leaders demonstrate integrity, fairness, and concern for their employees, employees become more engaged in their work and are motivated to produce innovative ideas,” he said.

Martin hopes to apply the knowledge he gained to support organizational advancement and human resource development, ultimately contributing to improved public services and community satisfaction. He hopes his research will serve not only as an academic contribution but also for policymaking reference.

“I also hope that my research will not remain solely an academic work but can serve as one of the references for designing policies and leadership development programs, as well as initiatives to strengthen employee engagement in the public sector,” Martin said.

Concluding his remarks, the most valuable outcome of his studies was not merely the knowledge but also the way of thinking, one that enables him to analyze issues comprehensively, make data-driven decisions, and connect theory with real-world practice. The critical thinking skills he cultivated and the collaborative experiences he gained with many people are among the greatest benefits of studying at UGM.

“For me, graduating in the shortest time was never the ultimate goal. What matters most is ensuring that every stage of the learning process shapes the way we think, our character, and our ability to make a greater contribution to organizations and society. A degree marks the end of an academic journey, but it is also the beginning of a greater responsibility to continue creating meaningful impact,” Martin concluded.

Author: Zabrina Kumara
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-Editor: Jasmine Ferdian
Photo: Courtesy of Martin

Artikel UGM Master’s Graduate Completes Degree in Just 1 Year and 1 Month pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The UGM delegation advanced to the semifinals and won a bronze medal at the competition, which was held in Vienna, Austria, from July 2–7. Organized by the International Bar Association (IBA) and the Vienna International Arbitral Centre (VIAC), the competition brought together approximately 390 participants representing 63 teams from 25 countries and is regarded as one of the world’s leading alternative dispute resolution (ADR) moot competitions.

The Law UGM delegation comprised Class of 2023 students Cindy Irthania and Rifada Khalida Chaerunie; Class of 2024 students Krishna Rajendra Gunawan, Nindita Putri Nirwasita, and Viansya Allegra Monisyaf; and Class of 2025 team managers Indira Niza Harllyn and Nuur Raudhah Tahliyatusyifa.

Rajendra said the achievement was a source of pride for the team, which had the opportunity to represent UGM and Indonesia on the international stage.

“We are incredibly proud to bring home Indonesia’s first medal and the country’s highest achievement in the history of the IBA-VIAC CDRC Moot,” Rajendra said on Monday (July 27).

For Rajendra, the competition also provided an invaluable international experience.

“Personally, standing on the same stage and competing against students from some of the world’s leading universities, such as the University of New South Wales in Australia and the National University of Singapore, was an extraordinary honor,” he said.

The IBA-VIAC CDRC Moot is an international mediation competition that uses a case adapted from the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot. Unlike the Vis Moot, which focuses on arbitration, the CDRC Moot challenges participants to resolve disputes through mediation, emphasizing the interests of the parties, effective communication, and collaborative problem-solving.

This year’s case centered on a failed contract involving rare vanilla orchids following changes to international regulations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The regulatory changes raised the question of which party should bear the financial losses resulting from the canceled transaction.

“Participants were required to understand international trade law while developing creative solutions that accommodated the interests of both parties,” Rajendra explained.

The team began preparing for the competition in December 2025 and underwent more than seven months of intensive training. Their preparation included regular case analysis, weekly sparring sessions, and continuous refinement of their mediation strategies.

The process presented numerous challenges, including physical and mental exhaustion, differences in strategic approaches, and changing team dynamics as each member balanced competition preparation with academic responsibilities.

“Even after arriving in Vienna, one of our team members experienced health issues,” Rajendra said.

As the competition drew closer, the team intensified its preparation through external sparring sessions with other universities. These sessions allowed the students to broaden their perspectives and strengthen their ability to respond to different mediation styles.

After advancing through several highly competitive rounds, the Law UGM team reached the semifinals, marking the best result ever achieved by both UGM and Indonesia in the competition’s history.

In the semifinal, the UGM delegation faced the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Australia, which ultimately won the competition. The mediation session was led by a mediator from the National University of Singapore (NUS), adding another layer of challenge to the semifinal round.

“This achievement is the result of the dedication, teamwork, and commitment demonstrated by every team member over many months,” Rajendra said.

Beyond strengthening their legal analysis, the competition provided the students with opportunities to develop essential skills in communication, negotiation, dispute resolution, and cross-cultural collaboration. These competencies are increasingly important for future legal professionals working in a global environment.

This achievement demonstrates Law UGM students’ ability to compete and excel on the international stage while contributing to Indonesia’s growing presence in the field of alternative dispute resolution.

The IBA-VIAC CDRC Moot is held annually in Vienna, Austria, by the IBA in collaboration with VIAC. The competition occupies a unique position in the international legal competition landscape because it uses the same case as the Vis Moot, one of the world’s largest international commercial law competitions, which is also held annually in Vienna.

All competition sessions took place at the Faculty of Law of the University of Vienna. The closing ceremony and final reception were held at Vienna City Hall, one of the Austrian capital’s historic landmarks.

Author: Jelita Agustine
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-Editor: Jasmine Ferdian
Photo: Team Documentation

Artikel UGM Law Students Win Historic Bronze at International Mediation Competition in Vienna pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The students introduced surimi as a nutritious, locally available food ingredient you can prepare in a variety of child-friendly dishes, including meatballs, nuggets, and otak-otak, a traditional Indonesian fish cake.

Nurchalizah Asmiaty Puteri Madjid, a member of the KKN-PPM UGM Gorontalo team, said the program was designed to encourage residents to make better use of locally available nutritious foods while increasing awareness of the importance of preventing stunting from an early age.

“We want the community to understand that preventing stunting can begin with simple steps, such as preparing nutritious meals from locally available ingredients that are easy to make. We hope you can apply this knowledge sustainably in everyday life,” she said on Monday (July 27).

The students emphasized that nutritious food does not always have to be expensive or difficult to prepare. By using locally available fish and processing it into surimi, families can develop a variety of dishes that appeal to children while supporting their nutritional needs.

The educational session was attended by integrated health service post (Posyandu) volunteers, pregnant women, and around 30 mothers with children under five from Tenda Subdistrict. Participants actively engaged in the discussion and asked questions about child nutrition and stunting prevention.

One Posyandu volunteer, Hartini Panai, said the program provided practical knowledge that the community could apply.

“This educational session has been very helpful in teaching us how to prepare healthy food for children. We also learned more about how to prevent stunting,” she said.

In addition to nutrition education, the students introduced participants to Indonesia’s National Health Insurance program (BPJS Kesehatan) and the Mobile JKN application.

The session aimed to improve community understanding of healthcare services and digital tools that can help residents manage their healthcare independently. Participants learned about the healthcare service process and were encouraged to make use of available digital services.

The students hope this additional information will help residents access healthcare services more effectively, particularly for preventive and routine health services for mothers and children.

Through the program, the KKN-PPM UGM students sought to combine nutrition education, local food utilization, and health service literacy as part of a broader community-based approach to stunting prevention.

The team hopes residents will be able to prepare nutritious supplementary foods using locally available ingredients and apply the knowledge gained through the program in their daily lives. At the same time, greater awareness of BPJS Kesehatan and Mobile JKN is expected to help communities make better use of available healthcare services.

By connecting local food innovation with nutrition and health education, the program aims to support ongoing efforts to reduce stunting in Gorontalo City while encouraging a healthier and more self-reliant community.

Reporter: Gorontalo Unit of KKN-PPM Team
Author: Triya Andriyani
Post-Editor: Priyanandaningrat

Artikel UGM KKN Students Promote Fish Surimi for Stunting Prevention pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

This issue has also attracted growing attention from the international scientific community. Muhammad Ilham Gibran, a fast-track student in the Master’s Program in Biomedical Sciences and the Doctoral Program in Medicine and Health Sciences at the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FK-KMK UGM), presented his research at the 20th World Congress of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology (WCP2026) in Melbourne, Australia, held from July 12–17, 2026.

Held every three to four years, WCP is one of the leading international forums in pharmacology. The congress brings together researchers, clinicians, regulators, educators, and representatives of the pharmaceutical industry to exchange the latest findings in drug discovery, pharmacology, and evidence-based therapies.

Under the supervision of Professor Mustofa and Dr. Fara Silvia Yuliani, Gibran presented a systematic review entitled “Translational Evidence for Herbal Galactagogues: A Systematic Review.” The study was accepted as a poster presentation under the Drug Discovery – Basic and Translational theme.

The research examines herbal galactagogues—plants traditionally used to support or increase breast milk production—and evaluates the scientific evidence surrounding their use in different countries.

According to Gibran, the use of medicinal plants to support breastfeeding has been passed down through generations in many cultures, including Indonesia. However, their reported benefits and safety are not always supported by the same level of scientific evidence.

“This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the available scientific evidence so that it can serve as a reference for researchers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers in developing evidence-based interventions,” Gibran said on Monday (July 27) at the UGM campus.

By synthesizing findings from dozens of studies conducted in multiple countries, the systematic review identifies herbal plants supported by stronger scientific evidence while also highlighting gaps that require further research.

Gibran explained that this approach is important because it helps bridge basic laboratory research and its potential application in healthcare practice—a process known as translational research.

“The development of herbal medicines should be based not only on empirical experience but also on sound and accountable scientific evidence,” he said.

The research is particularly relevant to Indonesia, which is home to one of the world’s richest sources of biodiversity and a wide variety of medicinal plants traditionally used to support maternal health.

However, Gibran emphasized that Indonesia’s biological resources alone are not enough to turn traditional knowledge into scientifically supported healthcare solutions. Research must also meet rigorous scientific standards and generate reliable evidence on effectiveness and safety.

“Presenting UGM students’ research at a global forum is one way to introduce this potential while also obtaining valuable feedback from the international scientific community,” he explained.

For Gibran, the opportunity to present at WCP2026 therefore extended beyond showcasing a research project. It also provided an opportunity to place research on Indonesia’s natural products within a broader international scientific discussion.

WCP2026 also provided a platform for collaboration among researchers, clinicians, regulators, and pharmaceutical industry representatives working to develop safer, more effective, and evidence-based therapies.

Over the six-day congress, participants attended scientific presentations, symposiums, panel discussions, and networking sessions covering a broad range of topics, including drug discovery, clinical pharmacology, toxicology, and the application of artificial intelligence in drug development.

Gibran said participation in international scientific forums is particularly valuable for young researchers because it provides opportunities not only to present their work but also to exchange ideas and build networks for future collaboration.

He hopes these connections will contribute to the continued development of research on Indonesia’s natural products and their potential applications in maternal and child health.

“We hope research on Indonesia’s natural products will continue to advance and make meaningful contributions to improving maternal and child health through evidence-based approaches,” he said.

Gibran’s participation in WCP2026 demonstrates how research conducted by UGM students can contribute to international scientific discussions on public health and natural product development.

As global interest continues to grow in natural product-based therapies and evidence-based approaches to maternal and child health, such international engagement also creates opportunities for Indonesian researchers to share local knowledge, strengthen scientific networks, and develop research with broader impact.

Author: Jelita Agustine
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-Editor: Jasmine Ferdian
Photo: Courtesy of Gibran

Artikel UGM Student Presents Herbal Galactagogue Research at WCP2026 in Australia pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.